Want to Combat Human Trafficking? Get Involved with 20BY20!
July 17, 2019
To help draw attention to the serious issue of human trafficking, ECPAT-USA, part of ECPAT International — a global network working to eradicate sexual exploitation of children — is launching a new campaign called 20BY20.
The year-long initiative aims to train 20,000 business events professionals on what they can do to prevent and respond to human trafficking by July 2020. It officially kicks off on July 30, coinciding with World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, an awareness day designated by the United Nations.
Participation by the business events community is especially important, as human traffickers often use travel industry infrastructure, such as hotels and airlines, to exploit and transport their victims. Large-scale events are also often targeted to find customers. That’s why ECPAT-USA believes the industry can be a leader in fighting this global issue.
“As the leading policy organization in the United States seeking to end the commercial sexual exploitation of children, ECPAT-USA understands the urgency of getting the word out to business events professionals,” says Michelle Guelbart, director of private-sector engagement for the organization.
She continues, “We believe the time is now for #20BY20 and know this landmark effort will bring together the industry to make a true difference in our shared goal to fight and eradicate human trafficking.”
If you’d like to get involved, there are two main ways you can help through sponsorship. Industry organizations can endorse the 20BY20 program by becoming a recognized ECPAT-USA Business Events Advocate (promoting the campaign and actively encouraging your team to be trained) or an ECPAT-USA Business Events Champion (promoting the campaign and sponsoring your team’s training).
The course is a 25-minute online training that addresses human trafficking, as well as its intersection with the events and travel industry. It covers topics such as how to recognize the signs of sex trafficking, why traffickers use the travel industry, and how to take action with clients and suppliers to stop it. The course provides CE credit for the CMP credential, as well.
Participation interest is requested by July 19 so the organization can provide communications tools as well as recognition on ECPAT-USA’s website and social media channels to industry partners. Sponsors will receive an online toolkit that includes website graphics, digital messaging, introduction posts for your communications channels and ongoing messaging throughout the campaign.
To learn more about 20BY20 or to get involved, go here.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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